Could the new Castlecomer video “Fugitive” spell the end of the bearded folk singer? It way well do with singer-songwriter Timothy James Bowen taking a razor to his face in the name of art (although – spoiler alert – he leaves a sweet moustache).

“Fugitive” is the first taster from Castlecomer’s upcoming EP, and there’s some tour dates on the way. Check it out below:

Enigmatic singer-songwriter Keaton Henson surprised everyone a couple of weeks ago but releasing a brand new album Romantic Works without any notice. The album is completely instrumental, features cellist Ren Ford and was recorded in Henson’s bedroom. Stream the album below:

This July three of Australia’s best loved folk and alt-country acts are heading out on a tour of Victoria. Lachlan Bryan and The Wildes, Dan Waters and The Weeping Willows are all heading over to Nashville later this year so to celebrate their July tour has been dubbed the Follow Me To Tennessee tour. Lachlan Bryan and Dan Waters will be alternating the headline spot and the shows are bound to be something pretty special.

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Everyone’s favourite stringband, Old Crow Medicine Show, return with a brand new album this Friday. Titled Remedy the new album was produced by Ted Hutt and is already streaming online – you can check it out at NPR here.

Releases This Week

Timber and Steel Recommends – Go To This Gig

New Zealand’s Tiny Ruins return to our shores off the back of a bunch of international buzz. This may be your last chance to see Tiny Ruins in such intimate venues so you should jump on top of these shows quick smart

Friday Folk Flashback

“Clouds (Both Sides Now)” – Dave Van Ronk

I’ve spent the last week devouring Dave Van Ronk’s memoir of the 1960’s New York folk scene, The Mayor of MacDougal Street, and as an offshoot have fallen down many a youtube rabbit hole listening to his music. This version of the Joni Mitchell’s classic “Both Side’s Now” (which Van Ronk called “Clouds”) is just stunning.

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The brand new video from European based Australian artist Owls of the Swamp has just released his brand new video for the track “The Hypnotist”. The track is taken from the recent album from Owls of the Swamp, ATLAS. Check out the video to “The Hypnotist” below:

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Sydney singer-songwriter Tom Stephens returns this month with his brand new single “Nowhere to Roam”. Released last week the “Nowhere to Roam” is an ode to self-reliance and features a really special arrangement reminiscent of Nick Drake. Take a listen below:

To celebrate the release of the single Tom Stephens is heading out on tour this July in New South Wales and Queensland. Check out the full list of dates here:

One of the greatest achievements of having such a divisive government in power like the current Abbott led lot is how it motivates people to become more politically engaged. And this in itself leads to the creation of politically topical art, and the folk music scene plays a huge part in this.

Melbourne based folk singer, blogger and activist Les Thomas has just released his new track “Budget Reply (Hey Joe)”, his response to the federal government’s recently released budget.

“The worst thing about the budget is that it targets the most vulnerable,” says Thomas. “This song is part of the groundswell and growing campaign to say no Tony Abbott, Joe Hockey and their small-minded, brutal and heartless budget.”

Regular Sydney modern folk night, MoFo, returns this July with three of folk’s best up and comers filling the stage.

Headlining there’s the amazing Justin Bernasconi who is currently touring his brilliant new solo album Winter Pick. You may be familiar with Justin Bernasconi’s work with his band The Stillsons so this is a show not to be missed.

Update: Unfortunately due to sad circumstances the Sloe Gin Junkies will be unable to perform this Friday. However you can still get you Gypsy fix with the energetic and playful tunes from the Spyglass Gypsies. Bring your dancing shoes!!!

MoFo takes place on Friday 11th July at The Gaelic Club in Sydney’s Surry Hills. The night will kick off at 7:30pm with tickets just $20 ($15 student concession). For more information check out the official Facebook event here.